Newport Music Hall was once known as The Agora Theater. | Photo via PromoWest Productions
The concert scene is truly unmatched in our area — from Nationwide Arena to Ace of Cups, there’s a stage for any type of tune.
To get to know them all, you must do three things: put your hands in the air, wave ‘em like you just don’t care, then lay your eyes (and ears) on our guide.
Arenas and stadiums
Ohio Stadium | Capacity: 102,000+
In addition to hosting Buckeye football, this outdoor stadium has seen some iconic musicians. We think 2018 represents this perfectly — Taylor Swift performed in July followed by Beyoncé and Jay-Z in August.
Concert halls
Newport Music Hall | Capacity: 1,700
There’s a reason this is the “longest continually running rock club in the country” — the good music seemingly never stops. Past performers include Neil Young, Red Hot Chili Peppers, and Foo Fighters.
Intimate settings and bars
Natalie’s Music Hall and Kitchen | Capacity: 126
Get the best of both worlds with shows here as Natalie’s offers local musicians and slices of delicious pizza.
Columbus Zoo Lantern Festival | Thursday, Aug. 21-Sunday, Aug. 24 | 7:30 p.m. | Columbus Zoo and Aquarium | $27+ | Explore the Zoo after hours and discover 70+ sets of handcrafted lanterns that depict various animals from around the world.
Omaha Storm Chasers vs. Columbus Clippers | Thursday, Aug. 21-Sunday, Aug. 24 | Huntington Park | $8+ | The Clippers are home all weekend and hosting multiple promotions, like a José Ramírez bobble card night on Saturday.
Friday, Aug. 22
2025 Columbus Air Show | Friday, Aug. 22-Sunday, Aug. 24 | 9 a.m.-5 p.m. | Rickenbacker International Airport | $25+ | The US Navy Blue Angels are taking to the sky for a dazzling aerial performance + kids younger than 15 get in for free.
Summer Movie Nights | 8:30-10:30 p.m. | Topiary Park | Free | As if you had better plans — bring a blanket to watch “Clueless” under the stars.
Travis Hoewischer - Don’t Laugh You’re Next | 9-11 p.m. | The Attic Comedy Club | $25 | This Columbus comedian wants you to be a part of the roast, but if you can’t handle the heat, don’t stand in the kitchen.
Saturday, Aug. 23
Columbus ArborFest | 12-5 p.m. | Whetstone Park | Free | Be one with the trees at this community-led festival that highlights and honors our local environment.
New England Revolution vs. Columbus Crew | 7:30 p.m. | Lower.com Field | $35+ | The Crew are in the hunt for the playoffs this year, but the Revolution are on the outside looking in and eager for a win — we’ll need a loud crowd in that case.
Sunday, Aug. 24
311: Unity Tour 2025 | 7 p.m. | KEMBA Live! | $90 | Whoa-oh — You likely know this early 2000s band for their famous reggae-rock hits like “Amber.”
Wednesday, Aug. 27
Farmers Market | Wednesday, Aug. 27, Wednesday, Sept. 3, Wednesday, Sept. 10 | 3:30-6:30 p.m. | Franklin Park Conservatory and Botanical Gardens | Free | Shop local produce, baked goods, specialty foods, handmade items, and health + beauty products — plus, kids can join the weekly Veggie Champs rewards activity.*
The Serum, powered by clinically proven Mitopure. | Photo by Timeline
As we age, skin loses the firmness and elasticity that gives it a youthful appearance. A key reason? Skin cells lose energy, hindering essential functions like collagen production.
Clintonville is adding another gourmet donut shop to the lineup. Rose Dough Donuts celebrates its grand opening on Saturday, Aug. 23 and plans to operate on weekends only from 9 a.m. to 2:30 p.m. The menu promises all natural and local ingredients.
Try This
A new pickleball facility is rolling into Westerville next week. Smash Park opens on Tuesday, Aug. 24 with a full food and bar menu + pickleball courts, axe throwing, and duckpin bowling.
Development
Nationwide Children’s could soon grow its presence into New Albany. The city’s planning commission recently approved its plans for a 170,000-sqft outpatient facility.(The Columbus Dispatch)
Feel Good
We are happy to report that Star, the injured baby bald eagle from Grandview, is healthy and back in the wild. Our favorite quote:“Star is doing great and is reported to be very sassy.” You can watch her soar back into the sky via this YouTube Short.
Transit
If you live in Columbus, you’ve been personally victimized by the I-70, I-270, and Brice Road interchange. Good news, road ragers — ODOT officially opened the new flyover ramp, making the area much easier to understand. (Columbus Navigator)
Concert
Or should we say concerts? Country musician Walker Hayes is taking over Mershon Auditorium on Thursday, Oct. 30 + Pentatonix is returning for its annual Christmas tour at Nationwide on Saturday, Nov. 29. Tickets for both shows go on sale tomorrow at 10 a.m.
Featured
Happy birthday, Columbus and Franklin County Metro Parks. The local agency celebrated its 80th year of conservation with a witty blog post from the perspective of the Metro Parks.
Sports
Sophomore quarterback Julian Sayin was named the starter for Ohio State’s season opener against Texas. Get the latest news, analysis, and insider information for the Buckeyes with Locked On’s daily, team-focused podcasts.
Job
Are you the one we’re looking for? We’re on the hunt for a sales-driven leader to help us land significant brand partnerships at a national scale as a Sales Executive. From a competitive benefits package to 401k matching, we’re a pretty amazing company to work for. Join our team and apply today.
Beyond bulk deals and clipping coupons, did you know several retailers offer customers 55+ hefty discounts — sometimes up to 20% off? Learn about key Senior discounts and several more savings hacks older adults should know about to continue saving and building wealth at age 50+.*
Our Self-Service Ad Portal makes it easy to purchase and run ads on your schedule - no back and forth, just results. | Graphic by 6AM City
Our Self-Service Ad Portal isn’t just simple. It’s your local legends’ favorite hack. From food banks and real estate pros to indie markets and arts orgs, community partners like Banker Exchange, God’s Pantry, and Urban Craft Uprising keep coming back.
Why? The portal is low lift, high return, and gatekeeper-free.
To put it simply: “I wish all advertising was this easy.” – Alana Claxton, Banker Exchange
First-time customers, use code NEW15 for 15% off at checkout.
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The fun doesn’t have to end here. After reading the newsletter, head over to our games page. Games refresh with new challenges every day at 6 a.m. from crossword puzzle to Sudoku to themed word search.
Happy Thursday, CBUS. I put my running training to the test last weekend by competing in the Grandview Yard Quarter Marathon. I finished in 1 hour, 6 minutes, and 6 seconds, which averaged out to 10:03 minutes per mile.
If you’re like me and caught the bug, there are a few more races left this year. Check them out here and maybe I’ll see you on the course.
‡The Serum disclaimer: Based on an 8-week randomized controlled clinical trial of 36 healthy women aged 40 to 65 years.
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